The novel takes place in the near future where ant like aliens, the formicses, or “buggers” invade the human race. Andrew Wiggin, the protagonist, is dubbed with the name Ender. Ender was born third, after his oldest brother Peter and his sister Valentine, both superior geniuses. Ender was generally not supposed to even be in existence, but because of his brilliant siblings, his birth was accepted. Born to be a hero, destined to save mankind from the buggers, on top of being a third was a lot to take in for a kid. But before even begging his training to be this co called “hero”, Ender, like all other children, had a unique monitor inserted at the back of his neck. This monitor allowed military heads to see and observe everything he did. Peter and Valentine had also worn these monitors, but were never selected to go up to battle school, nor did they have it on as long as Ender did. And for this reason, his own brother deeply envied him. Aside from that Ender was picked on at school, bullied extensively by a boy named Stilson. At only the age of six, Ender becomes the chosen one. With the faith and dependence from Colonel Graff, and the rest of the world Ender is sent up to battle school, to begin his training, and in time, “save the world”.

When I read this novel, there was a lot of dialogue specific to the storyline, and when I watched the movie, I didn’t really hear it. For example, in the book, the characters used almost a local like language up in space. Not proper English, but similar to how we talk casually here in Hawai‘i. I didn’t here at all that dialogue in the movie. I think the director didn’t include it into the movie because maybe he thought it wasn’t an important factor. Maybe in his eyes it was more important to deliver the message of the story being told rather than how it was told.

Throughout the novel I was under the impression that Bonzo was a full-grown man. When watching the motion picture, when his character was brought to life, it was a rather short boy, mature looking, but no different than any another member in their team. I guess the novel really never classified Bonzo as a man or boy, so it was up to the director and when reading the book, I imagine he pictured Bonzo looking like how he did in the movie. Completely understandable, we all look at things a little differently depending on who we are.

The setting was pretty much exactly how I pictured it would be in the movie, as to how I saw it with the imagery the author provided in the book. I think the director was spot on with the setting, and there was no disapointment there.
An event that was missing in the movie that I noticed imidiately was when the kids first take off to go to battle school. Wasn’t there supposed to be someone who bullied him? Slamming Enders head? Ender, in the novel, broke this kids arm, and in the movie this none of this ever happened. Why the director didn’t include this, I don’t know for sure. My best guess is that maybe he felt it wasn’t of high importance for this scene to be included. And it’s ultimately the director’s choice on what goes and what doesn’t.
Comparing the book and the movie, the movie was okay, the book was a whole lot betting in my opinion. So much more detail, and understanding of everything Ender goes through in this process to save mankind. I understand the story more when reading the novel. It reveals more of the challenges and struggles Ender encountered. Bottom line, I highly recommend reading the novel first and if you’d like you can always watch the movie after you’ve finished.


Movie rating : 5/10.